Teenage Engineering have always had a bit of a leftfield approach to product design, and their latest offerings are no different. We reviewed the Swedish company's OP-1 synth, sequencer, sampler and recorder back in January 2012, and we were really impressed, but at €799 it wasn't going to fit everyone's budget.
Since then, we've seen products like the Korg Volcas explode onto the scene, proving that affordable synthesis is something that the musical masses are very happy to get behind. Now, Teenage Engineering have launched their own affordable synths — retailing for an irresistable $59 apiece. The Pocket Operators range cosists of three calculator-sized synths: the PO-12 Rhythm, a drum synth and sequencer; the PO-14 Sub, a bass synth and sequencer; and the PO-16 Factory, a lead synth.
As with all of the products from Teenage Engineering, they have a quirky coolnees to them, with each having a custom-built LCD display akin to those on 80's handheld computer games.There's a real sense of fun with these little synths — the PO-14 Sub has an image of a submarine that springs into life when a sequence is played, firing torpedoes and , when stopped, shows a little character pushing out Zs in his bunk.
The three synths are very spartan out of the box, with no button covers or case, but they are also selling a silicon case for an additional $39 a pop.
Will these give the Volcas a run for their money? Only time will tell, but based on the demos at the NAMM show and the level of interest from all quarters, it would be a pretty safe bet.
